Maumee Bay State Park Campground in Oregon provides diverse glamping and camping options for travelers throughout the year. Located at the western edge of Lake Erie, the region features coastal marshlands and low elevation wetlands with unique wildlife habitats. Campers experience moderate summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F with higher humidity near the lake, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for outdoor activities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The inland lakes at Maumee Bay State Park Campground offer excellent fishing access without venturing far from campsites. "Several lakes are good for fishing or boating. Many trails, some grassy and some paved are good for walking, running, and biking," notes Lee D., highlighting the variety of water activities available.
Beach activities: Sterling State Park provides a sandy beach experience on Lake Erie with regular maintenance. As one camper observed, "Sandy beach on Lake Erie is very nice" and "Beach is kept fairly clean and raked often," making it ideal for summer swimming without traveling to larger resorts.
Birding excursions: The wetland areas provide premier birdwatching opportunities, particularly in spring. According to Dan N. from South Bass Island State Park, "This on a bay on the very western side of Lake Erie among a wildlife refuge and wilderness area. I came for the birding and wasn't disappointed."
Boardwalk exploration: Elevated wooden paths provide access through sensitive wetland areas without damaging the ecosystem. "A beautiful and extensive boardwalk constructed by the Ohio Civilian Conservation Corps is available only for foot traffic," mentions a reviewer, describing the well-maintained trails system.
What campers like
Site privacy: Many campers appreciate the natural barriers between sites at East Harbor State Park Campground, which maintains a sense of seclusion despite proximity to other campers. "Sites vary in size, lots of shade trees where we camped. There are picnic tables and fire rings, some sites have FHUs, some standard electric, and of course, primitive," notes a recent visitor.
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking a more peaceful glamping experience in Oregon, Ohio, timing matters significantly. "We enjoyed two stays at this campground, once in September and once in May. Even though this large campground was full when we were there on a weekend in September, we did not feel overcrowded. There were many empty campsites when we were there during the week in May," reports Lee D.
Beach access: The ability to reach Lake Erie shores directly from camping areas remains a major draw. One camper at Kelleys Island State Park Campground shared, "Our site was easy to find and backed in with no problems. Our site was pretty open because it was one on the end in the back of the campgrounds. It was really nice to have a path through the woods and out to the beach, so we weren't far from Lake Erie at all."
Shaded sites: Tree cover provides essential relief during summer months. "All sites are very generous in size and appear to be spaced with a decent amount of space apart with foliage providing varying levels of privacy. Some have beautiful trees that in peak fall color would be stunning," notes a Maumee Bay visitor.
What you should know
Island transportation: When glamping on South Bass Island, transportation planning is essential. One camper advises, "The town is about 1.5 miles down the road and easy to get to via bicycle or island taxi - vehicle parking very limited if you try to drive into town," while another notes that "Both tent camping and RV/Trailer camping. A few Yurts to rent also which are somewhat isolated from the other camping areas."
Weather considerations: The lake effect creates significant temperature variations and potential for sudden weather changes. A visitor to Sterling State Park Campground warns, "Finally, I've never been to this park when it wasn't very windy," while another mentions seasonal insects: "Some time in June you can expect May Flies aka Fish Flies. Plan accordingly."
Seasonal popularity: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak summer months, especially on weekends. "Reservations can be made exactly 6 months in advance and only a few sites are kept open for walk ins anymore," notes a visitor to South Bass Island, emphasizing the need for advance planning.
Ferry schedules: For island glamping destinations, ferry timing requires attention. "The slow ferry to the island (Miller) is the car ferry and it has free parking if you can leave your vehicle behind on the mainland," one camper explains, while warning about return trips: "If you do take your vehicle over note that the wait time to bring it back on a Sunday while usually 2 to 3 hours can also be up to 6 hours."
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: For families with young children, certain beaches offer better experiences. "The campground has a little bay which works out great for having a small boat, jet-ski, and also a small swimming area," notes a visitor to Kelleys Island State Park, highlighting the protected swimming areas away from open lake waters.
Evening activities: Unique nighttime options keep children engaged after sunset. "I enjoy walking to the pond at night and flashlight frogs. Typically there are a lot of raccoons so keep your food locked up tight," recommends Jaclyn B., suggesting the popular wildlife viewing opportunity.
Safety considerations: Certain campsites require extra caution with children. "The sites along the cliff overlooking the lake have fabulous views but are ONLY for tents and one should NOT camp there with small kids," warns a South Bass Island camper about specific hazards.
Weather preparation: Lake Erie's weather patterns require flexible clothing options regardless of season. "My only tip would be to bring plenty of bug spray in the summer, there are lots of bugs that come off the lake. Also make sure you bring jackets and blankets, even in the summer it can get pretty cool in the evening," advises Kayla H.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: RVers should consider specific site numbers for optimal setup at these parks. An experienced camper at Camp Perry Lodging and RV Park shares, "Sites are nice and large paved slabs, most trees are immature offering little shade. All sites are angled & very easy to back into. No pull thru sites here, but trust me Super easy to back into."
Hookup availability: Electric service varies across campgrounds in the region. "Sites 1-11 and 21-29 have full hookups (water, sewer, electric). All camper pads are paved and long enough to accommodate large RVs," notes a Maumee Bay visitor, providing specific site numbers for those requiring full service.
Ground conditions: Seasonal variations affect parking and setup areas. "We stayed there in early May, we didn't have reservations so they had three sites open. We took the driest spot we could find. The ground was soft and marshy," explains Jeffery R., highlighting the importance of checking ground conditions when booking.
Dump station facilities: Quality of waste disposal facilities varies significantly. "Dump stations are well graded so everything drains well," notes Timothy G. about Kelleys Island, while another camper mentions, "They have dumping stations that are easy to use and also running water at the station," providing practical information about waste management.
